About the object
What kind of love token?
Two holes pierced in this little enamelled plaque suggest it was designed to be worn – perhaps as a pendant or as part of a bracelet. Hovering above the name ‘Ann Higs’ is a delicately painted putto, or cherub, symbolising love. Whether romantic love or the love of a parent for their child, we can only guess. We don’t yet know the identity of Ann Higs – child, mother or someone else entirely.
Made in Battersea
Made of enamelled copper, this token is an example of Battersea enamelware. White enamel on copper was a cheaper alternative to porcelain, and could be decorated in similar ways, either painted by hand or with a transfer print.
It was probably created at the Battersea Enamel Factory in south London. Founded in 1753, the factory specialised in small decorative objects like snuffboxes and watchcases. Despite great demand for its products, the factory folded after just three years. Specialists who worked there went on to make Battersea-style enamel for other companies.
